Florence Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Florence is a romantic city that is a popular stop on any Italian itinerary. With its iconic Duomo, exceptional art, and the picturesque Arno River running through the city, it’s hard not to fall in love with Florence from the moment you arrive. It’s the perfect place to experience all of the best Italy has to offer–delicious food, friendly people, and charming, cobblestoned streets. 

Florence truly is a city that has something for everyone. With an endless array of quaint cafes and exquisite restaurants, there’s no shortage of spots for foodies to try out some authentic pizza and pasta dishes. There are various museums and art galleries for the culture lover, with no Florence trip complete without a visit to the famous ‘David’ sculpture at Uffizi Gallery. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, pack a picnic or grab a gelato and stroll around the gorgeous streets to simply soak up the atmosphere. 

9 Best Ways To Experience Florence In 2024

Florence is a diverse city full of medieval and Renaissance architecture surrounded by incredible countryside. Its spot in the rankings of top Italian cities for food and wine is well earned too. There are a thousand ways of seeing and experiencing Florence. To save you time searching, the best ones are listed below so whether you like historical walking tours, horse riding through forests or want to learn how to make pasta, you'll find them detailed here. To make the best of your trip, don’t forget to drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Florence so you don’t have to carry more than you need to.

Best Free History Tour – Florence Free Tour-Tale

Take a free tour of the city with Florence Free Tour-Tale and the guide will captivate you with in-depth history told in an amusing way. You'll stroll through Florence's streets for a couple of hours while being regaled with fun, but factual, snippets as well as creative and hilarious anecdotes that will add an element of entertainment to your city sightseeing. The tour might be free, but tipping the guide is expected.

Meet by the green umbrella in San Lorenzo Square or contact Florence Free Tour-Tale by email at info@florencefreetourtale.com to reserve your place.  

Best Free Walking Tour – Free Tour Florence

Choose the time of day that suits your agenda best, morning, afternoon or evening, then join the Free Tour Florence guide and set out on foot to explore the city. As you wander around, they'll let you in on some interesting facts about the history and culture of Florence before giving you insider information on the best places to eat and drink. Tipping after the tour is at your discretion.

Get ready to explore with Free Tour Florence by emailing freetourflorence@gmail.com or by calling 39-33-565-59428.

Best Souvenir Photos– Your Dream Pictures

Any vacation is special. You can make sure you keep your memories of visiting Florence alive by having souvenir shots taken by a professional photographer. Your Dream Pictures by Eva Perocseni is a company that will take you to all the best scenic spots in the city where you'll be able to pose for unforgettable portrait shots with amazing backdrops.

Get ready for your personal photoshoot with Your Dream Pictures by Eva Perocseni by emailing info@yourdreampictures.com or by calling 39-39-214-44501.

Best Off-The-Beaten-Track Tour – Guided Tours Of Florence

There are some corners of Florence you'll never find unless you go with a local. Guided Tours Of Florence only uses local guides for that reason. Guided Tours Of Florence will introduce you to the history, art and cuisine of Florence from their point of view and show you parts of the city they like to frequent for its unique sights and atmosphere.

Get ready to explore Florence like a local with Guided Tours Florence by emailing them at info@guidedtoursofflorence.com or by calling 39-34-786-28987.

Best Wine Tour – Chianti Wine Tour By Fun In Tuscany

The Tuscany region of Italy is synonymous with the production of quality wines. Go out for the day on a Chianti Wine Tour By Fun In Tuscany and you'll head out of Florence in the early morning to tour vineyards with a small group of like-minded wine lovers. You'll get to taste excellent Chianti wines and some first-class Italian ice cream too.

Prepare to tour the vineyards with Chianti Wine Tour By Fun In Tuscany by calling them on 39-33-859-22682 or emailing them at info@funintuscany.com.

Best Cycle Tour – Tuscany Bike Tours

Get out and about in the countryside around Florence by taking a cycle ride with Tuscany Bike Tours. You can mount up for the expedition on an e-bike, a regular cycle or go motorized the Italian way on a Vespa scooter. You'll stop off at a winery, an olive oil refinery, and a 12th-century medieval castle.

Reserve your place or get more details about Tuscany Bike Tours by emailing them at biketourbookings@gmail.com or call 39-33-826-42431.

Best Horse Riding Tour– Florence Country Life

Saddle up and slip a hard hat on to go riding through the Italian landscapes on a horse from the stables of Florence Country Life. You'll ride through acres of olive groves, along trails over rolling hills and through valleys before dismounting for lunch by the lakeside while the horses take a well-earned rest. The length and route of the ride depend on your experience. Novices are welcome.

Plan a riding trip with Florence Country Life by calling them on 39-34-918-05895 or emailing them at info@florencecountrylife.com.

Best Art Tour – Florence Local Experts (FLOE)

Italian Renaissance art is in a class of its own and Florence is a city that abounds in it. If you enjoy talking about art or learning more about what you're viewing, take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery with a personal guide from FLOE, Florence Local Experts. They're specialists in the art field and will inform you about famous paintings as well as the city's architecture.

Get ready for an artful outing with Florence Local Experts (FLOE) by emailing them at guides@florencelocal.tours or by calling 39-33-581-22007.  

Best Cooking Class – Pasta Class Florence

Making fresh pasta may look easy when it's done by an Italian grandmother or a famous TV chef. It's not. There are certain rules and a knack to getting the dough exactly right. Pick up the secrets of making this classic Italian dish like a professional by attending a cooking class with Pasta Class Florence. Your friends and family will be totally impressed when you serve it for dinner.

Discover the recipe to success with Pasta Class Florence by emailing them at pasta@pastaclassflorence.com or call 39-34-572-32204 for more information.

A weekend in Florence

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Florence. In fact, you could stay there for months and still not see it all! That being said, you can still get a good taste of the city in a short amount of time if you add these popular attractions to your weekend getaway.

• Uffizi Gallery: Florence is known for its art and no gallery is more popular than Uffizi. This is due in part to the fact it is home to the iconic ‘David’ statue, however there are many other masterpieces that are also worth seeing!
• Duomo: This building is the most familiar Florence icon. Standing tall with its recognizable red roof and circular architecture, this stunning cathedral should absolutely make it onto your itinerary.
• Ponto Vecchio: This popular bridge is lined with shops and offers stunning views over the river. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this. If you happen to make some purchases while in the area, drop your bags at a Bounce luggage storage locker in Florence so that you continue exploring.

Florence Lockers

One of the most inconvenient aspects of travel is dealing with luggage. Nobody wants to be stuck with their bags, wasting precious vacation time, simply because they have a late check-in or early check-out! Book a luggage storage locker in Florence so you can leave your bags and continue your adventure.

Off the beaten path in Florence

Florence is full of popular attractions, but it also has a treasure-chest of hidden secrets. If you’re willing to explore a little farther away from the city center, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, charming restaurants, and a whole different side of Florence.

• Michelangelo lookout: Looking for a great view over the city? Head to Michelangelo lookout. It is possible to drive, but the walk up the stairs is a great way to get active and see even more of Florence. Get there early if you’re visiting at sunset during summer, to make sure you get a good spot.
• Oltrarno: Translating to ‘across the Arno’, the Florence region of Oltrarno is literally on the other side of the river. While few venture outside of the city center, those who do will not regret it. Take a stroll across one of the bridges to experience an authentic side of Florence. Make sure to grab a coffee or get a meal in one of the cozy restaurants.
• Porta Romana: This historic site is a 13th-century gateway across the river. The area is definitely worth exploring, with plenty of photo opportunities and a park that makes a great spot for a picnic.

What to do alone in Florence

Florence is a great location for solo travelers, whether you’re in town on a business trip or simply for leisure. If you’re wondering what to do alone in this city, consider adding these items to your itinerary.

• Visit the Piazza del Duomo: If you’re looking to meet people, or simply do some people watching, there is no better place than Piazza del Duomo. With a variety of bars and restaurants, it’s easy to grab a seat and make some new friends.
• Get lost in the narrow streets: An afternoon in Florence can very easily be filled by simply strolling the streets and soaking up the fabulous Italian charm.
• Join a cooking class: If you want some company on your trip, attend a cooking class. You can’t beat Italian cuisine!

The best souvenirs in Florence

The Florence markets are some of the best spots to pick up some souvenirs. The city is known for its leather products and bags and belts make great gift ideas, or there’s a range of artisan items and local produce that are also great choices. Head to Mercato Nuovo, Mercato Centrale or San Lorenzo Outdoor Market for all your souvenir needs. Once you’ve got everything you need, drop your bags at a Bounce luggage locker in Florence to save you carrying them around.